PIERRE — The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony later this month to honor U.S. Army Corporal Kenneth L. DeGroot.

The ceremony will be May 31 at 1 p.m. at the CC Bar and Grill in Volga, 121 Kasan Ave.

The eastbound Big Sioux River bridge on U.S. Highway 14 will be dedicated to DeGroot.

DeGroot, was a member of the 77h Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Calvary Division and was killed in action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on Sept. 7, 1951.

Naming bridges in honor of our combat veterans who died while serving their country is an initiative of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and the South Dakota departments of Military, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs.

“Whenever and wherever this nation has called, in times of darkness and danger, as well as in times of peace and prosperity, veterans have been there and have proudly carried the torch of liberty for all to see,” said Greg Whitlock, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Our fallen heroes are no longer with us, but their memories live on in the hearts of their loved ones and our state,” Whitlock said. “Naming our South Dakota bridges in honor of our fallen gives us the opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and respect — for honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation. They cherished liberty and loved freedom enough to lay down their lives to preserve our way of life.”